High on the heels of the armed forces, the paramilitary forces of India are now planning to demand for benefits under the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme. This article provides details about the latest developments, expected benefits, costs, and impact areas for One Rank One Pension (OROP) for Paramilitary Forces

One Rank One Pension (OROP)

It was in recent July 2015 when One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme was accepted by the central government of India. The acceptance was for the armed forces only, and did not include the paramilitary forces of India. The required modalities for impementing the ORP scheme for armed forces are being worked out. The OROP pakcage announcement is expected to cost Rs. 8,300 Crore for the Indian Government. Acceptance for OROP for armed forces will mean lots of benefits to lakhs of pensioners belonging to armed forces. It is but natural that benefit being given to one section of foreces (armed forces in this case) will lead to other sections (like paramilitary forces) to come up with similar demands.

It was around the same time that the goverment had mentioned that there will be No One Rank One Pension (OROP) for Paramiltary Forces.

One Rank One Pension (OROP) for Paramilitary Forces

The matter is simply that paramilitary forces, who have been clamoured to be at par with their armed foreces counterparts, are now demanding that they too should benefit form One Rank One Pension scheme.

In case the government extends similar benefit of One Rank One Pension (OROP) to Paramilitary forces, then it will cost an additional burden of Rs. 3,000 Crores on the ex-chequer.

As of now, there are some 9 Lakh retired central paramilitary employees
Of that it is estimated that around 3 Lakh would be eligible for One Rank One Pension
If One Rank One Pension (OROP) is accepted for paramilitary forces, it will lead to an estimated Rs. 3,000 Crore cost
Retirement age for paramilitary staff is 57 years till the level of commandant, and 60 years above that level
While armed forces argue that they are the main line of defense for the nation, paramilitary forces argue that they are always on and are the primary line of defense (for border security and internal matters). The latter say that they dont get the 'peace-time' like the former, and are always on duty.

Demand List By Paramilitary Forces

Paramilitary Forces have demanded the following:
- One Rank One Pension similar to armed forces
- Different pension funding system instead of the current CCS rule
- Grant of ex-serviceman status with all associated benefits
- Grant of Canteen Facility
- Receiving ECHS Medical Facilities
- Change of present nomenclature of Central Armed Police Forces used for BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, NSG and Assam Rifles to Central Para-Military Forces (CPMFs)
- Provision of statutory paramilitary welfare board similar to Sainik Welfare Board
- Provision of paramilitary service pay and exempting them from new contributory pension system